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National Ability Center Unveils 15th Annual Barn Party Fundraiser Benefiting Adaptive Horseback Riding and Equine Assisted Learning Programs
Family-friendly, western-themed event to be held on Saturday, June 1 at the National Ability Center Ranch and Equestrian Center
PARK CITY, UTAH (May 1, 2024) — Today, the National Ability Center (NAC) announced details for its annual Barn Party, which is set to take place on Saturday, June 1 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the National Ability Center Ranch and Equestrian Center. This signature event highlights and celebrates all our participants, staff and volunteers of the Equestrian Program who have exceeded expectations and achieved tremendous success throughout the year.
“Join us in the heart of Park City for a celebration like no other! Our Barn Party promises a day filled with joy, unity and the spirit of ‘I Can,’” said Tracy Meier, chief program and education officer at the National Ability Center. “From the petting zoo to the lively saloon, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.”
The fun, family-friendly event will feature a BBQ dinner, live music, mechanical bull, auction, saloon and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best western-themed attire. All proceeds from the event go toward creating programs and serving the thousands of individuals the organization helps each year. With adaptive horseback riding, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), as well as summer camp programs, the organization provided over 2,300 equestrian lessons and experiences throughout their last fiscal year.
“We’re excited about our annual Barn Party as it unites our community and celebrates the happiness these remarkable animals bring us,” said Jan Drake, equestrian facility and development manager at the National Ability Center. “Through offerings like adaptive horseback riding and Equine Assisted Learning, our program witnesses remarkable advancements in participants’ progress and well-being that wouldn’t be possible without the support from our Barn Party. Each year, we spend over $300K on the care of these horses, which is funded directly from this event, thanks to our sponsors, donors and attendees.”
NAC would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to its sponsors: WCF Insurance, Pat Moran Family Foundation, Vail EpicPromise, ABC4, Zions Bank, Del Taco, Salt Lake Magazine and UOT.
Limited Table Sponsorships (10 seats) are available at $2,000. General admission tickets are $65. Youth admission for ages 12 and under are $30. Tickets can be purchased by visiting discovernac.org/events/barn-party. Questions regarding sponsorship packages can be addressed to [email protected]. For all over event questions, please contact [email protected].
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and groups with varying physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Rooted in Park City, UT for nearly 40 years, with a satellite location in Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,500 competitive athletes, children, active-duty, veterans and others yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, with individual and group activities, participants build self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills. The NAC hosts over 30,000 experiences and lessons each year including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. In 2023, the 9,400 square foot McGrath Mountain Center opened to serve the NAC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs, made possible by a historic 50-year land lease donated by Vail Resorts. With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner, the NAC is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information about the National Ability Center, visit discovernac.org. For a secure and simple way to donate to the NAC, text ABILITY to 512-920-5521 or visit discovernac.org/donate/.
